A retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, Uwem Harold Udokwe, was tragically murdered during an armed robbery at his residence in Sunshine Homes Estate, Abuja, in the early hours of Saturday.
According to reports, three armed robbers invaded the home of the late Brigadier General reportedly demanded jewellery before using the general’s pistol to fatally shoot him.
The attack marks the third such incident at the general’s residence, intensifying concerns about security in the area.
Reacting, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Udokwe’s death.
Confirming the tragic incident, the command spokeswoman, SP Adeh Josephine, in a statement said they have commenced a discrete investigation aimed at apprehending those responsible for the heinous act.
Commissioner Igweh also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that the police are committed to delivering swift justice.
He emphasized the command’s dedication to enhancing the security landscape of the nation’s capital by adapting strategies to combat evolving criminal activities effectively.
The statement released by the police reads, “According to Pastor Awe, his neighbour, the robbers injured one of the estate guards. That one was taken to the jospital at Abacha Barracks along with Brig Gen H Udokwere rtd N/5575, the victim. While the injured guard was being treated at Abacha Barracks Hospital, the General was referred to the National Hospital Abuja.
“Air Cdre MM Igho informed Air Cdre SA Zakari rtd of the incident at 0810 hrs. Zakari dashed to NHA to support the family. Zakari met Pastor Awe (the neighbour) with the victim’s wife, son and other neighbours. Air Cdre Zakari was told Gen Udokwere was dead and the corpse was at the National Hospital morgue.
“Zakari met the wife, calmed her down and reported the issue to Maj Gen Dr Okereke. The Comd NAOWA Hospital sent an ambulance to retrieve the body of the late General Udokwere to NAOWA Hospital where he was confirmed dead.
“Gen Hashim, the neighbour, has taken the family to his house for his wife to handle Mrs Udokwere. However, Mrs Udokwere insisted she must see her husband. Contact was made with the Cse Mates (NDA 15th Cse) and Brig Gen KA Kareem was tasked to visit the family which he did. The family will decide the next line of action regarding the funeral.”